Work has started on the revitalisation of Blenheim’s town centre.
Local contractor Fulton Hogan Marlborough is now on site and the first road closures have been in place this week to pave the way for the Market Street Revamp.
Council’s Project and Contract Manager Maighan Watson said the RMM Landscape Architects’ design drew inspiration from Marlborough’s unique natural and historic landscape.
“The design is riverbank-inspired with undulating paving patterns and large pebble seats for people to stop, meet and gather.
“There is also a strong focus on New Zealand natives and putting the right trees in the right place to create a streetscape with greater diversity which reflects seasonal changes,” Ms Watson said.
Several liquidambar trees, outgrowing their current sites and encroaching on underground services, will be removed to make way for more suitable feature trees and smaller layering plants.
The fan palms, which provide little amenity value, will also be removed beginning with those on Charles and Arthur streets.
Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jane Tito said the exotic fan palms attracted blow flies and vermin during pollination along with a distinct odour.
“We also have to remove the seed pods periodically so there will be annual savings once they are removed.
“While they were a street tree of choice back in the day, today we have a greater focus on native and other species in our public spaces,” she said.
In February, Council’s Infrastructure and Community Facilities Committee also agreed a staged plan to replace liquidambar trees in central Blenheim.
“This was in response to concerns from some property owners where these trees are now overhanging building verandas. Their removal has been balanced with preserving the long‑term health and character of the town centre streetscape.
“After an assessment of the trees in the CBD, it was agreed that a removal process should be followed,” Mrs Tito said.
New tree species being planted align with Council’s Tree Policy 2024 and include natives such as mountain totara, kowhai, putaputaweka and exotics like magnolias and acer.
“Replacement trees have been chosen for their suitability to the constrained urban environment, ensuring long‑term canopy continuity, supporting fauna and flora and a reduced conflict with infrastructure.
“Also to be removed from the streetscape are the hanging baskets in Market, Charles and Arthur streets as they are not in keeping with the revitalisation design,” she said.
